Perceptions of sustainability curriculum in US fashion academia

Abstract

ABSTRACTRelatively few US fashion programmes incorporate sustainable practice into their curriculum even though climate change, and the scope of damage caused by the fashion industry, is well documented and researched. Contemporary professional fashion education is a balancing act between what an industry might immediately expect of graduates and what informed educators believe students need. The implicit question remains: Why is a curricular focus on sustainable practice lacking in an industry so mired in the controversial issues of pollution, sweat-shop labour, and waste? A survey was conducted to ascertain the opinions of academics from a variety of public and private institutions regarding sustainable practice and their involvement in curricular decisions. Additionally, a content analysis was conducted to establish the number of programmes having sustainable content in a curriculum, mission statements, or as a stated focus of study. Results as well as suggestions for future pathways are suggested.